Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome the federal government's $4.7 billion investment in VIA Rail Canada's new passenger rail fleet, which will support manufacturing in Thunder Bay and strengthen Canada's industrial capacity.

This announcement is a strong example of how strategic public procurement can support Canadian workers, grow domestic supply chains, and create long-term economic opportunities.

Congratulations to our valued members at ALSTOM, the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, and all those whose advocacy helped make this investment a reality.

Read the full announcement: https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2026/09/03/prime-minister-carney-announces-largest-investment-rails-history

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce welcomes today's announcement from the federal government which extends the federal fuel excise tax relief on gasoline and diesel.

Affordable and reliable transportation is essential to keeping goods moving, connecting workers to jobs, and supporting businesses across Ontario. Extending this tax relief will help ease cost pressures for businesses and households at a time of continued economic uncertainty and trade-related challenges.

The OCC looks forward to continuing to work with federal government on practical measures that improve affordability, enhance competitiveness, and support long-term economic growth and business confidence.

Read the full announcement here: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2026/09/the-government-of-canada-extends-the-federal-fuel-excise-tax-relief-on-gasoline-diesel-and-aviation-fuels-for-canadians.html?utm_campaign=esdc-edsc-censv2-24-25&utm_medium=email&utm_source=news-from-the-government-of-canada&utm_content=news-product-260902-en-2pm

New look. Renewed mission. Same commitment to Ontario business.

Today marks a new chapter for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, as we launch our refreshed brand identity.

Our new identity serves to reinforce the OCC's role as the indispensable partner of 60,000 businesses of every size, from every sector and in every community across the province.

“This is more than a visual update,” OCC President and CEO Daniel Tisch said. “It’s a renewed expression of who we are, who we serve, and how we lead. It reflects an organization that’s agile, connected and ready for what’s next, bringing business, government and communities together to help Ontario grow.”

Learn more about how our refreshed brand identity brings our mission and purpose to life here: https://occ.ca/mediareleases/ontario-chamber-of-commerce-unveils-refreshed-brand-identity

Watch our brand refresh video here: https://youtu.be/xGJrSHtF9KM

Speaker Spotlight

With more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of AI, public policy, and industrial strategy, Marc E. Ouimette advises businesses and governments on the opportunities and challenges shaping the next generation of innovation.

As an affiliate researcher at the University of Cambridge's Bennett School of Public Policy, his work focuses on AI sovereignty and industrial policy, helping inform how countries can compete in an AI-driven economy.

Join us at to hear his insights on the policies, infrastructure, and investments needed to strengthen Canada's innovation ecosystem and future competitiveness.

Early Bird Pricing

OCC Members: $1,249 + HST (Regular $1,449 + HST)

Non-Members: $1,549 + HST (Regular $1,749 + HST)

Register here https://occ.ca/events/2026oes/

With new 50 per cent tariffs affecting a broad range of exports, Ontario businesses are facing a rapidly changing trade environment.

The OCC is working with our members, chamber network, and government partners to help businesses navigate this uncertainty with timely information, practical tools, and clear advocacy.

We have updated our Tariff Resources page with:

✅ Federal and provincial support programs
✅ Tariff support and trade diversification information
✅ Duty-free exemption resources
✅ OCC advocacy updates
✅ Recent news and additional business resources

We will continue to track developments, share member insights, and advocate for measures that support Ontario businesses and workers.

Access the resources here: https://occ.ca/navigating-tariffs/

Canada’s provincial and territorial chambers of commerce welcome new commitments to reduce internal trade barriers and strengthen our country’s economic competitiveness announced by ministers in Iqaluit, Nunavut, including:

➡️ A 30-day labour mobility service standard
➡️ Accelerated work on mutual recognition legislation
➡️ Continued efforts to reduce barriers in services, food, and alcohol

“As barriers to trade rise in the United States, Canada’s internal trade barriers must fall. These commitments are a sign that government is listening to businesses. The faster we build one Canadian market, the stronger, more competitive, and more resilient Canada will be,” said Daniel Tisch, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

At a time of uncertainty in Canada-U.S. trade relations, building one Canadian market has never been more important. The focus must now shift from commitments to implementation, with clear timelines, accountability, and measurable results for businesses, workers, and communities across the country.

Read the full statement here:

Canada’s provincial chambers welcome progress on internal trade, urge governments to turn commitments into results | OCC Business leaders credit 30-day labour mobility standard and accelerated mutual-recognition timeline as Canada strengthens economic resilience at home

Lifting others up is part of civility.

A thoughtful recommendation is a simple but powerful way to show gratitude, support a peer’s success, and strengthen relationships. ‌

Recognition doesn’t have to happen inside the workplace either. Writing a LinkedIn recommendation is a meaningful way to recognize and celebrate a colleague's contributions.

A recommendation can help support the recipient’s professional growth and strengthen their confidence!

Take our civility challenge and learn more about National Civility Month here: https://occ.ca/occivility-national-civility-month-2026/

Receive up to $5,000 in wage subsidies when hiring post-secondary students. ​‌

Available to employers across Canada supporting a wide range of industries, the Talent Opportunities Program has helped over 5,000 businesses invest in student talent while managing hiring costs.​‌

Learn more and apply for the Fall 2026 term (September 1 to December 31) here: https://occ.ca/talent-opportunities-program/

Celebrating small wins together helps teams stay connected, motivated, and engaged. ‌

Whether it’s completing a project milestone, solving a challenge, or achieving a shared goal, recognizing success no matter how small, can boost morale, strengthen relationships, and fosters connection.

It also helps people feel appreciated and encouraged to continue doing their best work. ‌

Take our civility challenge and learn more about National Civility Month here: https://occ.ca/occivility-national-civility-month-2026/